Casey Muratori dissects the consequences of Windows 8's closed distribution model. "But how realistic is the assumption that the Windows desktop will still be a usable computing platform in the future? And what would be the consequences were it to disappear, leaving Windows users with only the closed software ecosystem introduced in Windows 8? To answer these questions, this volume of Critical Detail examines the immediate and future effects of Microsoft's current certification requirements, explores in depth what history predicts for the lifespan of the classic Windows desktop, and takes a pragmatic look at whether an open or closed ecosystem would be better for Microsoft as a company." The section that details how none - none - of this year's greatest games (or last year's fantastic Skyrim) and only one of this year's Emmy-nominated TV shows pass Microsoft's rules sent chills down my spine.

You may be right. For Vista, end of retail sales was nearly two years before end of mainstream support. For XP, it was less than a year.

So far Microsoft says "to be determined" for an end of sales date for 7, but based on their current pattern, I can see them dropping sales of 7 any day now.

Then again, they know for a fact that 7 is the best OS they've ever put out, and while they may be betting the farm on 8, I have a feeling they may keep 7 alive long enough to gauge the market for 8. We may still be able to purchase 7 for a few more years yet.